Ms Spalding's body was found on Tuesday in the stairwell of a fire exit at San Francisco General Hospital. She was admitted with an infection on September 19 and reported missing from her room two days later.

Meanwhile, San Francisco mayor Ed Lee announced he is hiring an independent consultant to investigate the hospital's security and search protocols.

Ms Spalding was admitted to the hospital for an infection on September 19 and was reported missing from her room two days later.

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